to get out of my way

English grammar questions, answered by Alan

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azz
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to get out of my way

Post by azz »

a. I shoved him to get out of my way.
b. I shoved him for him to get out of my way.
c. I shoved him in order to get out of my way.
d. I shoved him in order for him to get out of my way.


Which of the above sentences are grammatically correct?

I don't think (c) works, It seems to be saying that I shoved him so that I would get out of my way!

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Alan
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Re: to get out of my way

Post by Alan »

(a) and (c) are nonsense (for the reason you cite) and therefore not worth discussing.

(b) and (d) are strangely/clumsily phrased versions of natural (& grammatical)

I shoved him to get him out of my way.

The phraseology of (b) & (d) implies that getting out of your way was in some way for his benefit - a rather absurd implication!
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